The Yakuza hierarchy is replaced by samurai strata in Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Anyone who plays all the content the Yakuza saga has released in recent years is sure to enjoy it like never before. Compilations, remastered versions and even new releases, any content that Studio Ryuga Gotoku touch turns to gold. The same thing happens with the spin off. We have already seen how alternative histories such as Judgement and now the company, due to the boom and the good recognition that its saga has finally reached, dares to launch more special proposals. This is the case that we must now analyze with Like a dragon: were!. A title that initially did not leave Japan, but today opens its borders in an improved version in many ways that we will detail below.
an alternate history
Although the faces we’ll see will be very familiar to any Yakuza fan, Like a dra gon: Ishin! It transports us to another era and with a radically different story.
In this adventure in feudal Japan, we will control Sakamoto Ryoma, a Tosa ronin that he will seek revenge when a murderer kills his father. Unfortunately for him, he is framed for the murder and must flee to Kyoto to avoid being arrested. In this city, he will have to look for clues that will lead him to the real murderer, and in addition to taking on another identity to go unnoticed, You must enter the Shinsengumi, a special force from the city where the culprit of the homicide is possibly located.
You will become a samurai… body and soul
It must be said that, despite the appearance and personality of the characters are what we associate with the Yakuza saga, This episode is detached from everything we know. Each of the protagonists that will appear has different names, completely different roles in the game, and other goals that are very different from those of the original saga. It is more, Like a dragon: Ishin! It collects actual historical names and facts based on the Edo period. All this adapted so that the title has a certain coherence and adds the absurd and humorous facets to which we are accustomed.
The game’s documentation is brutal. Not just by the real names mentioned above. As happens in the original saga, the terminology, the division of classes and behaviors at that time is perfectly reflected in the title. From the mentality and the exclusion of the ronin, the notoriety that the ghosi of the time had, those who supported the emperor and those most linked to the Bakufu… Little by little Like a dragon: Ishin! It immerses you in its cultural side in a way few titles do.
Secrets around the corner
The basics of its playable mechanics are very similar to what has been seen in other episodes. Basically, we should move through the streets of Kyoto by solving the main plot, while we carry out other activities or secondary missions on the road. And it’s very interesting how they put together these minigames in a time that, a priori, has less entertainment than Kamurocho himself.
There will be everything. From a kind of karaoke with songs of the time, to a Buyo dance school passing through chicken races or cooking typical dishes of the time. Without forgetting the dojos where you can learn new fighting techniques or the restaurants where you can enjoy a good hot miso. Also, at some point in the adventure, we will get our own place of residence where we can have our little garden, adopt dogs, cats and a host of other tools that you can take care of at your own pace.
Influencer Like a Dragon: Ishin
The secondary missions will continue to be the “sauce” that seasons the whole game. While the main plot is more serious and sober, It’ll be in the sub-missions that we’ll see the funniest (or most tender, as the case may be) side of Sakamoto Ryoma. Without wanting to spoil anything, I’ll just say that the moments in the bathrooms are brutal…
As we complete this series of tasks, or visit food establishments and objects, we will gain a bond with the villagers. As the affinity with the inhabitants grows, we will obtain prizes and rewards, so it is better to be sociable to obtain the most help and bonuses.
where you put your eye… you put your sword
Where we find the most difference for story reasons is in combat. There will be four aspects to develop. the facet racketeer this will be the most familiar, as he will use his fists and kicks in a way very similar to what we’ve seen in contemporary Kiryu. on the slope swordsman we will become an expert in the use of the sword, being the most complete combat branch. For a ranged attack, we can use our ability to gunslinger to put an end to lead-based bandits. Finally, there is a slope called wild dancer where sword and gun attacks merge.
There is greater depth in the fights. While in the Yakuza saga you could win fights by tapping the buttons without control, in Like a Dragon: Ishin! we need some control. We should know when to attack, dodge blows or stop them with our sword. They will be longer games, and often they will put us in a real stalemate.
Relaxation in Kyoto
To go as prepared as possible, we will have no choice but to improve our skills. There will be four skill trees, one for each fighting style. that we will have to complete to learn new moves, get more life, strength or fury. If that’s not enough, We can always visit the blacksmith and craft new weapons or upgrades. It seems strange to me to do these actions, because in no original episode did I have to resort to improving my team to defeat the thugs on duty. All this conglomeration of situations makes Like a Dragon: Ishin! to be a slower game, to enjoy it calmly and without haste to complete each chapter.
Dojima Dragon Sweatshirt
Visually there is a significant graphical leap from the original delivery. Although we don’t face the visual section we witnessed in Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon, in my opinion, it’s better than what was seen in Yakuza: Kiwami. It gives me the feeling that there is more emphasis on better recreating the animations, and then there is a certain technical drop when you start wandering through its streets and squares.
It still has bugs, and where the seams are most visible is in combat. Although it’s a more polished take on the original saga, there are still some issues when it comes to hitting. Especially when there is more than one enemy on screen, where accuracy when aiming at a stationary target is conspicuous by its absence. A little bump that absolutely tarnishes the end result or the pleasure it provides.
Finally, it should be mentioned that Like a dragon: Shine! comes translated into Spanish, and in a superb way. They have localized expressions, slang, and ways of speaking in a very commendable manner, and it suits you just fine. expressions of wonder like “Jesus, Mary and Joseph! insults and other types of speech are much more appreciated in our language.
Conclusion of Like a Dragon: Ishin!
What Ryu ga Gotoku Studio touches turns to gold, and this proposal is no exception. This adventure starring the characters of Yakuza takes us into a radically different historical arc, with a change that not only affects the aesthetics, but also the plot, the characters and even the way of fighting. Visiting Kyoto is wonderful, and although it seems impossible, there are plenty of activities to do, people to interact with, and restaurants to visit. All without losing the socio-cultural context that surrounds its streets.
The combat, while deeper than other episodes, may not work as well as it should. Especially when there are groups of enemies on screen. The difficulty in the clashes has also increased, and it is that it is necessary to know how to defend, attack and counter the attacks of the enemy. This increases crafting to improve swords, weapons and derivatives, being an adventure that should be taken more slowly, researching materials and improving the level of Sakamoto Ryoma.
If you like the Yakuza saga, don’t hesitate to get this episode. It’s a different turn of events, a spin-off in its own right, but with the tragic and comic essence that we saw in the original saga. A rollercoaster of situations, ranging from the deepest drama to the most absurd ridiculousness. All in addition, with a very successful facelift and with texts in Spanish, so as not to lose the detail of the dialogues.
Like a dragon: were!
59.99$
Benefits
- The cultural journey in the Edo period is impressive
- Lots of tasks to complete and an engaging story
- Localized in our language in a brutal way
The inconvenients
- Some textures are conspicuous by their absence
- Combat control is always a problem…
- There will be people who don’t want to waste time crafting and upgrading weapons
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